Mehrenegar Rostami Joins UT’s Musicology Faculty
The University of Tennessee College of Music proudly welcomes Mehrenegar Rostami to its musicology faculty for fall 2024. With a rich educational background and a passion for exploring the intricate connections between music and political philosophy, Rostami brings a unique perspective to the university’s faculty.
Rostami’s academic journey began at the Art and Architecture branch of Azad University (BA field of music ‘04) in Tehran, Iran. There, she laid the foundation for her future studies in musicology, setting the stage for a remarkable academic career that would take her across the globe.
Her thirst for knowledge led her to the city of Salzburg, Austria, where she delved into musicology and dance studies at Paris Lodron University. Continuing her academic journey, Rostami attended Memorial University of Newfoundland (MA ethnomusicology ‘13) in Canada. Her thesis, a meticulous analysis of Kayhan Kalhor’s “Silent City,” offered not only a historical and musicological examination but also served as a testament to her dedication to exploring the social and political underpinnings of musical compositions.
Yet, it was at the University of California, Los Angeles (PhD ethnomusicology ‘23) that Rostami’s academic journey culminated. Under the mentorship of ethnomusicology professors Roger W. H. Savage and Timothy D. Taylor, she embarked on a groundbreaking research journey. Her doctoral dissertation, focusing on the complex interplay between music festivals and political ideologies in Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries, unveiled the profound ways in which music serves as a conduit for socio-political discourse. For her doctoral dissertation, she conducted extensive research around the world. “I conducted ethnographic fieldwork in Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Austria, Germany, and the U.S. between 2015 and 2022,” Rostami said.
Upon joining the COM faculty, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a passionate dedication to her craft. She aims to inspire students to explore the transformative power of music across multiple cultures and contexts. “My goal as an ethnomusicologist in my teaching and research is to uncover the role music plays in constructing diverse forms of identities, how it gives meaning to people’s lives, and how it brings people together,” Rostami said.
In her ongoing research endeavors, Rostami continues to push the boundaries of ethnomusicology. Rostami is currently preparing a paper for the 2024 Fonds Ricoeur’s Summer Workshops in Dublin, Ireland. “My paper examines the role remembering plays in promoting an ethos of intercultural hospitality. This ethos, as I argue, is the requisite condition for equitable intercultural exchanges,” Rostami said.
Beyond academia, Rostami eagerly anticipates immersing herself in the vibrant community of Knoxville. “I am excited at the prospect of collaborating on a wide variety of musical, scholarly, and service-oriented projects with members of the UT community,” Rostami said. “I am also excited about Knoxville and looking forward to the ways I can contribute to the broader community in my role as educator, musician, and scholar.”